Why Knot?
Have you ever been taught how to knit, watched a fisherman bring in a net heavy with fish, or sneaked a peek at lacy undies in a Victoria’s Secret catalog? If so, then you understand the power and importance of worked fibers. For 20,000 years, humans have manipulated fibers to construct objects that aid in food gathering, commemorating the dead, and protecting and beautifying the body and home. In “Why Knot?,” the spring 2007 Campbell Gallery exhibit, the Spurlock Museum celebrates these artifacts and the skilled craftspeople who create them.
The objects displayed in “Why Knot?” are divided into four main areas:
- Tool and Techniques, an introduction to the objects and processes used in working fibers.
- Reveal and Conceal, a discussion of how fiberworking techniques can create clothing that not only covers and protects the body but also allows for enticing views of the human form.
- Boatswains and Bobbins, a focus on fishermen, sailors, and lacemakers, for whom worked fibers are an integral part of life.
- Details and Decorations, an exhibit of objects for individual, detailed observation.
An added bonus in this exhibit is five interactive areas where visitors can learn more about fiberworking and take a turn at trying a few techniques themselves:
- How Does It Feel?, an opportunity for visitors to see and feel a variety of fibers then test their knowledge by feeling them again in blind touch boxes.
- The Ruff Life, an area with a full-length mirror where visitors can model a reproduction Renaissance ruff (a large fabric collar). Children can wear a ruff, stand behind a board painted to look like children’s clothing of the period, and see what they would look like as the member of a noble family.
- Want More?, a computer kiosk area where visitors can read more about fiberworking techniques, watch demonstrations, and take a short quiz.
- Tied Up in Your Work, two tables where visitors can try their hand at finger crocheting, knot tying, making chain mail, and braiding.
- Story Ties, a video starring members of the C-U Spinners and Weavers Guild and their fiberworking stories.
“Why Knot?” opens at noon on Tuesday, March 27, and continues through Sunday, August 26. The exhibit is open regular Museum hours and admission is free. We hope to see you there.
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Pillows like these are used in making bobbin lace. This Princess Lace Pillow was patented in St. Louis in 1903. |
